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SERMON 



IN COMMEMORATION OF THE DEATH OF 



REV. CHARLES T. TORREY, 



IN THE MARYLAND PENITENTIARY, MAY 9, 1846. 



DELIVERED AT FISHERVILLE ; AND ALSO IN THE 
BAFTIST MEETING-HOUSE IN CONCORD, MAY 31, 184G. 



BY EDMUND WORTH, 

PASTOR OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH, FISHERVILLE. 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 



31 iHculm* to tl)c Svutl). 



A 



SERMON 



IN COMMEMORATION OF THE DEATH OF 



REV. CHARLES T. TGRREY, 



IN THE MARYLAND PENITENTIARY, MAY 9, 1846. 



DELIVERED AT FISHERVILLE; AND ALSO IN THE 
BAPTIST MEETING-HOUSE IN CONCORD, MAY 31, 1846. 



BY EDMUND WORTH, 

PASTOR OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH, FISHERVILLE. 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 



E4< 



^^ 



SERMON. 



Matt. 14 ; 3,4. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound 
him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's 
v ife. For John said unto him, it is not lawful for thee to have her. 

Ever since the fall of man, there has been a conflict be- 
tween the serpent and the seed of the woman. The war- 
fare has been constant and sometimes severe. The great 
antagonist principles, are truth and error. The conflict is 
a moral one, and recognizes the outward act and the in- 
ward emotions of the heart. 

In every age of the world, God has raised up and em- 
ployed faithful witnesses to testify to the truth and defend 
his cause. Against these opposition has been raised; indi- 
viduals have contended, and, not unfrequcntly, civil 
authority has been employed to overcome and destroy. — 
A faithful, plain and practical exhibition of the truth, is 
what the world has never been willing to receive in a 
candid and peaceful manner. Light is no more opposed 
to darkness, than is truth to error — or the will of God, to 
the inclinations of the natural heart. Consequently, when 
these come in contact, opposition is manifested. From 
the time of righteous Abel to the present, the faithful ser- 
vants of God have fallen on the battle ground — shed their 
blood in the struggle and yielded their lives in the conflict. 
The Old Testament history goes to confirm this statement 
— the prophets, embassadors for God and truth, were op- 
posed, persecuted, imprisoned and put to death. In con- 
sequence of their plainness and integrity, though men of 
God, and singularly meek and pious, they became the ob- 
jects of hate and the most embittered opposition. On 
opening the New Testament, we find recorded the mar- 
tyrdom of the first minister of the gospel. And although 
our Savior came on a mission of mercy, and his advent 
was heralded by an angelic choir in songs of "glory to 
God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men ;" 
though the principles of his gospel were the out-gushings 



I 

of love, truth and righteousness, and were connected with 
the highest good of man and the glory of God, and he 
himself was a personification of meekness, kindness and 
virtue — yet his gospel was reject* d, and he was slandered 
and persecuted unto death. Though a minister of peace, 
his mission was a moral warfare. This he intimated 
when he said; — " Think not, that 1 am come to send peace 
on earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I 
Mm come to set ;i man at variance against his father, and 
the daughter againsl her mother, and the daughter-in-law 
against her motlier-in-law." Such would not be the neces- 
saryhwX the natural effect (if the inculcation of his gospel. 
Had all received and ob< yed tin' truth, union and peace 
would have followed — but, seme receiving, and others rc- 
jectingthe truth, would cause divisions, even in the same 
family. Christ came not to send peace by preaching 
smooth things, encouraging men on in a course of sin — 
but to reprove and warn ; to attack the enemy in his 
strong holds, by wielding the mighty weapons of truth. — 
This would be like employing the sword; the friends of 
truth and error would enlist under their respective ban- 
ners, marshalled for the conflict. 

The Saviour also forewarned his disciples of the treat- 
ment they should receive at the hands of their enemies. 
He says to them just before his departure, " they shall lay 
their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up 
to the synagogues and into prisons, being brought before 
kings and rulers for my name's sake. Which shall be 
for a testimony against them." This prediction was ful- 
filled — the apostles, us well as Christ, were charged with 
violating the civil law ; were arraigned, imprisoned, 
and finally put to death. John, the harbinger of Christ, 
was shut up in prison because he advocated the truth — in- 
culcated the principles of the gospel and declared its pro- 
hibitions to Herod : and was afterwards put to death by 
order of that, wicked prince. 

The word of God — observation "ml experience^ show us 
r< ry plainly that Truth produces hostility. 

Not that truth has power to create opposition — hut it calls 
it into exercise, and sets the opposer in array against 
itself. Its exhibition and application is the occasion of 
putting in motion and drawing out, the hidden opposition 
of the, heart. It stirs up and aggravates — hostility fo- 
ments and overflows in hitter enmity and ripens into vio- 
1 nt acts of revenge. You might as well expect the ani- 
mal td lie unmoved under the whip, or that the con- 
nee will remain quiet and submissive under the ap- 
plication of truth, and not attempt to resist its unwel- 
come lashes. It is either subdued after a brief struggle, 



and yields to the sceptre and dominion of truth — or, resist- 
ing, is wrought up to phrenzied madness, foams and 
rages, and seals its own death warrant by acts of the most 
atrocious malignity and daring wickedness. 

Opposition to the truth is exhibited, 

1. By refusing to submit to its claims. 

There are individuals, who, by their daily course, show 
that their hearts are opposed to the requirements of God; 
while there are others, who, by a moral life, hide the en- 
mity of their hearts from the world. Indeed they may be 
ignorant of it themselves, and fancy they are the friends 
of God. But let the opposing elements meet; let the 
precepts of the gospel be applied, the requirements of 
God revealed and enforced, and what a struggle ! He, who 
thought himself free from opposition of heart, and even 
the friend of God, now finds a war raging within. The di- 
vine law is too strict, its penalty too severe, and unjust ; 
and, were it in his power, he would annul the whole, and 
change the essential features in the character and govern- 
ment of Jehovah. 

From the time of our first parents, what a practical il- 
lustration has been furnished of the continued opposition 
of the human mind to the principles of truth. A revolt 
has been perpetuated down to the present time ; it is dis- 
covered through all the ramifications of society — in heath- 
en and christian nations, and even among the professed 
followers of Christ. There has ever been a tendency to 
lower down the standard of truth, to secularize its claims 
and tarnish its glory. The will of man has been sub- 
stituted for the authority of God, and human tradition, for 
the rules of Christ. 

Unholy influences have obtruded within the pale of the 
church, and a worldly, time serving policy has trampled up- 
on consecrated ground. Selfish interests and unholy am- 
bition have mingled with the fires of the altar, and polluted 
the sacrifices of Zion. Truth — pure unadulterated truth, 
was committed in trust with the people of God ; they 
were to imbibe, and cherish, and exhibit its holy and ele- 
vating principles, to be governed by its precepts and walk 
in its light. But where is the person, who is a living, prac- 
tical illustration of the truth as it is in Jesus ? How few 
among aK the sacramental host, are contending earn- 
estly for the faith, once delivered to the saints, and who 
maintain unsullied their christian integrity. How few 
are seen, having on the whole armor — going forth in the 
panoply of truth, uninfluenced by frowns or favor, or a 
worldly expediency — undismayed by stripes, imprison- 
ment or martyrdom. How seldom do we hear such, like 
the great Founder of Christianity and his early followers. 



lifting up their voices like a trumpet against all manner of 
sin. in i, I low places, whether among rulers 

or subji to fear that bul ■;' the 

religion of tin , is untrammelled and free — per- 

fectly free fn ial or political i is. How 

seldom is all — is every thing sacrific pletely immo- 

d on the a ial truth. What timidity and 

trembling — what an unwillingness to throw off every 
shackle, d take a stand on the plat- 

form of truth, which is as broad as the heavens and as 
deep as the foundations of eternity. 

,\ Ian e at the im i Lition of the world presents a 

sad of a rejection of the truth. Instead of uni- 

versal holiness and purity, and loyalty 1" ' rod, and kind- 
ness, brother) rid strict integrity towards man — \vc 
■ the workings of opposition to the triijh, in profanity, 
licentiou rumselling and rum-drinking, 
i aking, horseraeing, slavery, robbery, mun 
ceit and dishon and all this loo in civilized, chris- 
tian lands, to Lhing of the abominations ofheath- 
enism, which cannot be more hateful in the sight of the 
d. In our own la ; reat law proclaimed by the 
everadorabl ■ ler, " all things whatsoever ye would 
that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them," is 
scarcely recognized in commercial intercourse; and the 
fulfilling of il prohibited by the laws of 
some of our . ments. To act on christian prin- 
ciple and carry out the spirit of the gospel — doing unto 
others as we would th Lem- 
berin as bound with them, would forfeit 
one' parts of this, the most free 
and < m on the face of the whole earth ! Now 
humiliati is not allowed to go forth 

• — that they may not take the 
field without let or liin 1 go to the conflict, each to 

or fall on its own intrinsic merit. But in this country, 
truth is not fj e are topics on which it cannot be 

uttered — errors which it is not allowi L to - abat. Hence, 
the muzzling of the press — its destruction by the mob — 
and I ' the mails and destroying 

whatever is offensive to a self made, aristocratic censor- 
ship, dictating to : ..ilc what they may or may not 
.: own cot Hence, the riotous 
.: sion — the personal vi- 
ieut — and the dreary imprisonments 
ns! All to 
nth: that truth which was laying bare and 
Lhe most henious sins to the gaze of an aston- 
shed world. The pov irkncss trembled: for one 



of the strongest holds of iniquity was attacked by the 
most powerful and effectual of all weapons, tin 

truth — a desperate effort must be made to shiver its glit- 
tering blade or turn its fatal edge, and recourse is had to 
the violence of the mob. 

So it was in the days of John, of Christ, and the apos- 
tles. Herod did not deny the truth of the allegations of 
the Baptist, but, like a guilty man, he stops his mouth 
with the key of the prison, and stifles the utterance of 
truth in the silence of the dungeon. So of our Savior ; 
the wicked world could not endure his close preaching, 
his withering reproofs and searching appeals, and to close 
the voice of truth, his guilty accusers employ vinegar and 
gall, the nails, the hammer and the cross ! The same 
spirit has ever been manifested in opposition to the claims 
of truth. 

2. Opposition to the truth is manifested in attempting 
to support error by false reasoning. Look at the con 
of Felix : he had no relish for the wholesome preaching of 
his prisoner — no, in heart and life he was opposed to the 
truth. But did he condemn Paul, or attempt to confute 
him by sound argument; or did he yield to the claims of 
truth? Neither, but he excused his present neglect from 
a want of time ; and flattered his conscience to continue in 
sin by a promise of future consideration. Both pleas 
were in defence of a course of opposition, but they were 
based on false premises. 

Very many act as though, could the impression of 
truth be obliterated from the mind, and the voice of con- 
science hushed, the reality would be destroyed. That, 
as they can persuade themselves to believe, will it prove to 
be true in matter of fact. Hence, selfish interests and car- 
nal desires will overpower reason, destroy the force of 
sound argument and lead a person to believe, what at first 
was unwelcome and revolting. Over such, sound reason- 
ing has little influence, appeals of truth find no response 
in the conscience, and persuation is nearly useless. 

But, however subtle the sophistry, and deceptive the 
course, by which the mind is led Co reject the truth and 
defend error — is the truth in the least affected, or impaired 
— by no means, for, says the apostle, " we can do nothing 
against the truth, but for the truth." It still exists, amid 
every opposing influence ; and let the whole world reject 
it — that very truth would shine with increased lustre and 
more awful grandeur, in sealing the condemnation of its 
rejectors! Herod thought to stiile the voice of truth, and 
his own conscience, and hide his sin by imprisoning his 
accuser, but that very act was based on false reasoning — 
it increased his guilt, adding false imprisonment and mur- 



vler, to adultery ; and gave celebrity to the enormity of his 
crime, by publishing it, through the gospel, to all coming 
ages. 

The enemies of Christ maintained their opposition to 
him on the pretence that he was a false teacher, and ablas- 
phemer ; that he infringed on the laws of the government 
and that the peace of the nation required he should die. — 
To sustain ihese accusations, they employed false wit- 
nesses, and accomplished their end, by falsehood. 

There is American shivery! — the whole system is sus- 
tained by false constructions. That one man has a right, 
natural, civil, or moral, in another, is false. No man has 
a right to ; laee himself under the abjeel control of anoth- 
er. The veri nature and constitution of God's moral gov- 
ernment forbids it. It is of no avail that laws are pro- 
duced that sanction slavery — there is a law above all hu- 
man law, the same in all time; " it is the law written by 
the finger of God on the heart of man, and by that law, 
unchangable and eternal, while men despise fraud, and 
loathe rapine, and abhor blood, they will reject with in- 
dignation, the wild phantasy, that man can hold property 
in man." Destitute of divine authority to sustain the 
bloody system, false reasoning is employed, penal enact- 
ments are required, to keep the slave in ignorance, and 
prevent his being treated as a man and a christian — stripes 
and death are inflicted to secure submission, and enforce 
what truth nor justice could never do. 

Efforts in behalf of the oppressed in New England 
have been opposed, on the plea that "it is a political 
matter." And must man who feels for man — must christ- 
ians who breathe the spirit of Christ, be compelled to 
withhold human kindness, and prohibited from carrying 
out the great, distinguishing principles of the gospel, be- 
cause " it is a political matter '.'" Is the argument sound ? 
"Was it not a "political matter" with Daniel and the three 
Worthies when commanded to act contrary to their ob- 
ligations to God; and did they violate christian principles 
rather than not conform to civil enactments? Undoubt- 
edly Herod supposed he had a right, as a prince, to regu- 
late his " domestic institutions," and that no subject would 
have the presumption to oppose. He assumed a false po- 
sition. Admit his right — made legal by human authority 
— but John in the face of all this declares, " It is not law- 
ful for thee to have her." His civil rights gave him no 
leave to violate the laws of God, nor did the regalia of 
royalty screen him from the faithful rebuke of the preach- 
er of repentance. 

Civil enactments are thrown around slavery, and its op- 
ponents are met with the plea, it is legal — protected by law 



and no one has a right lo attack the system. But is this 
reasoning sound ? Can Legislative action justify a sys- 
tem of the most abominable iniquity, remove the eruilt of 
crime and screen the offender? Can human law inter- 
pose between man and his obligations to God, throw off 
moral responsibilities and so change the order of nature 
that man shall no longer be the friend of man? 

It is a command from heaven that we search the Scrip- 
tures — this is the duty of all. The united voice of all 
Protestants, too., is, that every individual has the right to 
read the Bible and judge for himself. But slaveholders 
say that to give the Bible to slaves and learn them to read 
it, would destroy slavery. And for its perpetuity the laws 
say, thou shalt not learn to read — thou shalt not search 
the Scriptures. But, if the slave owe a duty to God — if 
it be his right and for his interest, to possess and search 
the Scriptures, does not God make it our duty to give his 
word to the destitute and needy bondman ? This is a 
serious question which is beginning to press itself upon 
us, and to which we must yet give a direct reply. But, 
by the reasoning of slaveholders it is necessary for the 
safety of slavery, to enact laws in direct violation of the 
spirit of the gospel and commands of God ; and those, who 
have gone as agents of the Bible Society to distribute the 
bread of life, and who have ignorantly and innocently put 
a Bible into the hand of a slave, have actually been im- 
prisoned, whose lives were endangered by the violence 
•of the populace. According to civil enactments in this en- 
lightend, christian land, it is a crime to give a man the Bi- 
ble. But is not the whole process of such reasoning 
based on false premises — are not such enactments impious 
and Heaven daring? No institution, recognized by laws, 
opposed to truth and the spirit of the gospel, ought to be 
held free from attack and exposure on the ground of its 
legality. Duty to God and man, nor the decision of the 
great clay will never sustain such a plea. 

3. Opposition to the truth is manifested in hostility to 
those who advocate its claims. Though this hostility 
may not always be openly avowed, still it is discovered. — 
It is not the individual or his views, which are so obnox- 
ious, but his measures. " I am opposed to intemperance, oe 
slavery, &c, as much as any one, but the measures I do* 
not like." True, there may be improper measures in pro- 
moting any good cause — these we need not approve— nor, 
on this account should we oppose or abandon the truth. — 
After all these professions, it is the truth which is advoca- 
ted that draws forth personal hate and opposition. Herod 
respected John, as an individual ; he " feared him, know- 
ing he was a just man and an holy — and heajcd him. glad- 

B 



Ill 

ly ;" but the truth he could not endure, and, to destroy its 
influence, that he might indulge in his sins, he shuts up 
this hold reformer in prison. John was not a dangerous 
man; Herod knewfhat he was "just and holy" — and was 
there sufficient cause of alarm? No, only as the friend of 
God and truth, he attacks sin and disturbs the peace and 
security of the sinner. 

There was Paul, the hold, intrepid advocate of truth. — 
When zealously engaged against the truth, imprisoning 
men and women, he was not opposed and persecuted. — 
peace of society or of the government do not appear 
to be disturbed. But, mark the change. As soon as he 
breathes the christian spirit and attacks the sins of the 
people, whole cities are tilled with confusion. The citi- 
zens of Ephesus caught Gains and Aristarchus, Paul's 
companions in travel, and rushed into the theatre; some 
crying one thing and some another, for the assembly was 
confused. Not unlike this, have been scenes even in 
New England within the last ten years. But why was 
Paul more dangerous now, than when persecuting the 
followers of Christ ? Why did Jews and Gentiles unite 
with their rulers to stone him ; why was it charged against 
him and Silas, before the rulers, " these men do exceed- 
ingly trouble (Mir city"— and why were they beaten, and 
cast into prison with "their feet fast in the stocks," — be- 
cause they advocated the truth. The city of Ephesus 
was thrown into confusion because Paul had attacked the 
sin of idolatry : not that the conscience was so much af- 
fected as the purse, for said the manufacturer of idols, 
■our craft is in danger" — " for by this craft we have our 
living." 

There were Peter and John, harmless men, but bold in 
the truth. The officers of government were grieved be- 
cause they preached the doctrines of the gospel. And 
what did they do ? — they employed violent measures ; 
• laid hatuls upon them ami put them in the hold." The 
next day they came together and examined them, heard 
their doctrine, saw the man they had healed — and " they 
could say nothing against it." But that the truth " spread 
no farther among the people," they said, " let us threaten 
them, that they speak henceforth to no man in his name." 
But what was their reply—" Whether it be right in the 
sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, 
judge yc." Thus they were commanded by authority to 
'desist; but in their prayer to God, after " being let go" 
they said, "and now, Lord, behold their thrcatenings ; 
and" grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness tkeymay 
ik thy word." And God manifested his approbation, 
for at the close of their prayer the place was shaken, " and 



11 

they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake 
the word of God with boldness." 

There was Stephen, too, a humble but bold advocate of 
the truth— and because he faithfnlly declared the truth, 
the people " gnashed on him with their teeth," and stoned 
him to death. 

And what is the record of the old Testament history ? 
There was Hanai, the seer, who faithfully rebuked Asa 
the King, for his folly, and Asa was wroth with the ser- 
vant of God " and put him in a prison-house ; because he 
was in a rage with him because of this thing." When 
Zechariah stood up before the people and told them why 
they could not prosper — " ye have forsaken the Lord, and 
he hath forsaken you," they conspired against him and 
stoned him with stones, at the commandment of the king, 
in the house of the Lord ; and his dying words were, 
" the Lord look upon it and reward it." He lost his life 
for showing the people the cause of their adversity, and 
pointing out a way of deliverance. 

Then, besides many instances more similar to the 
above, furnished by the sacred historian, there is the long 
list of martyrs, who were 'persecuted to death, for the 
truth, all of which shows that it is no new thing for the 
faithful servants of God to sutler for well doing. 

II. The second general division of my subject, is, that 
God has always manifested a particular regard for 
the truth. This he has done, 

1. By raising up men of great boldness and integrity in 
the different ages of the world, adapted to the exigency, to 
show the people their sins and declare the way of truth 
and righteousness. As when Israel " killed his prophets 
and digged down his altars," the Lord reserved to himself 
seven thousand men, who were true to his cause, so he 
has never been without his witnesses in the world, nor 
truth without its advocates. When his covenant people 
departed from him, the Lord sent his prophets to call after 
them and bring them back. But I must not dwell. 

~2. God has shown his regard for the truth by the inflic- 
tion of his judgments upon the obstinate. Though he 
bears long, he is faithful to vindicate the truth. Look at 
his dealings with the antideluvian world : then with the 
Egyptians, who enslaved his people and sorely oppressed 
them. He raised up Moses and Aaron to make known 
his will to Pharaoh, and require him to let the people go. 
He gave him ample time to comply, but he only filled up 
the measure of his iniquity. That wicked prince would 
not let the oppressed go free — their cries were heard and 
their wrongs were signally avenged upon their oppressors. 

Again, God suffered long with the Jewish nation— and 



12 

raised, up men, to " cry aloud and spare not — to lift their 
voice like a trumpet, and show the people their transgres- 
sions, and the house of Jacob their sins. But they Mould 
not hear — if these messengers from the Lord uould not 
speak "smooth things," "prophesy deceit," "cry peace," 
and keep back the truth, they must be imprisoned, and 
put to death. Though Cod waited long, and at last sent 
his own Son, whom they also killed — the day of retribu- 
tion came. " Fill ye up." says Christ, "the measure of 
your fathers. That upon you may come all the righteous 
blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous 
Abel unto the blood of Zecharias, whom ye slew between 
the temple and the altar." 

If time would allow, we might collect from modern his- 
tory examples of the fearful but righteous exhibitions of 
God's displeasure against sin, and his vindication of 
truth. The cruelty of princes has been visited upon them- 
selves, and the corruption of nations have wrought out their 
overthrow. 

And if the government of this nation is ever overturned, 
it will be done through sin and error. Truth, virtue nor 
holiness will never do it. What that sin or form of error 
may be, is unknown to us. As nations increase in years 
and population, crime and corruption increase even in a 
greater ratio. Such is evidently the case in this country, 
which may well excite -the deepest solicitude. That sin 
which has the greatest influence over this nation at the 
present time — which sways its councils, ctisturbs its peace 
and threatens the perpetuity of our civil and religious in- 
stitutions, is slavery. Facts and figures show this so 
plainly that no one familiar with them will doubt the truth 
of the assertion. And one of two things we may rest as- 
sured is morally certain ; the system of Slavery must cease, 
or it will effect our overthrow. May Cod give us repen- 
tance and effect the former. 

The cry has long been, "cease agitating the subject — 
let us alone — we will take care of ourselves and our in- 
stitutions." Not so; slaveholders cannot protect them- 
selves in their present course. Why — because truth and 
justice, humanity and religion, and the Majesty of the 
universe, are all arrayed against them. Cod has not a 
single attribute in alibis character that can side with slav- 
ery. The cry of the oppressed has gone up to the Aveng- 
er of wrong, and nothing but repentance can avert long 
merited judgments. Well might that distinguished states- 
man, Jefferson, exclaim, in view of the abominations of 
slavery, I tremble when I remember that God is Just. 

The voice of opposition might, indeed, be hushed, and 
all .efforts to show the oppressor his sin, and remove the 



13 

cursed system, cease— but it would only be like an attempt 
to smother the deep gathering fires of Vesuvius, which, 
pent up, will by and by break forth, causing tenfold more 
terror and desolation. The smothered fires of slavery 
would burn deeper and spread wider, undermining the 
very foundations of our national fabric, and, when bursting 
forth, would cause a fearful overthrow. It is not difficult 
to perceive that the system of slavery contains within it- 
self the elements of our nation's ruin. 

But God has evidently raised up individuals and in- 
spired their hearts with holy zeal in the cause of freedom, 
justice and humanity; he has moved upon his people to 
iift up their voice and expose the sin of slavery, and call 
upon the slaveholder to repent and let the oppressed go 
free. He is waiting the result — as he did with Pharaoh, 
and what shall it be ? I verily believe that as a nation, we 
are experiencing a time of trial, and probation, as 
much as did the Egyptians; that God is calling loudly up- 
on us to put away this sin; and, unless we repent, the 
day of solemn visitation is not far distant, and our destruc- 
tion is as sure as that of Pharaoh and his host. 

III. My third general remark is, the removal of men 

VALIANT FOR THE TRUTH, FROM THEIR LABORS, IS AN EVENT 
CALCULATED TO PRODUCE SERIOUS REFLECTIONS. 

1. Such men possess qualifications, which render their 
continuance in active life very desirable. Those most 
likely to succeed in great moral revolutions, and bless the 
world by their labors, are such as possess fixed moral 
principles — expansive benevolence — moral courage and 
great practical wisdom. A bright galaxy of the names of 
such is seen in the moral heavens,whom God has raised up 
to plead his cause. As an illustration, see what incalcula- 
ble blessings have been secured to the world through the 
agency of Luther, of Howard, and of Wilberforce. See, 
too, the christian and philanthropic devotion of Mills and 
Boardman — of Crandall;Lovejoy and Torrey — their all was 
consecrated to God, and the good of man. To be de- 
prived of the labors of such men, would naturally cause 
grief and despondency. The inquiry starts almost, invol- 
untarily, does not God frown on the cause which they had 
espoused; or, why should he remove laborers so well 
adapted to carry it on ? This grief is deepened by the 
reflection that such men are few, compared with the mao-- 
nitude of the work yet to be accomplished ; and on see- 
ing one removed after another, the anxious inquiry arises 
" by whom shall Jacob arise ?" Who will go forth as 
faithful heralds of the cross — who will plead the cause of 
the dumb ? Who will go forth in the majesty of truth and 
expose the sins of the world ; and break the death-like 



II 

slumber of man; and, by a mighty moral effort, turn the 
tide of vice, injustice and cruelty, which have so long- 
rolled their deadly stream over the land ? 

2. Another ikmiic has been added to the list of those 
who have been cut down in the midst of their labors. — 
Yes, the name of Ch \i:i.i:s T. Torkey is now on the rec- 
ord of departed martyrs to the cause of humanity, a name 
which will long, long live in the grateful remembrance of 
the virtuous ami humane. 

There are circumstances connected with Mr. Torrey's 
death, peculiarly painful and afflictive. He must he 
considered a murdered man — murdered legally, it may b< 
said, according to law. lie may be censured by some, 
and his death charged to his imprudence — of this 1 leave. 
every one to be his own judge. There is no doubt, had 
Daniel and the three Worthies lost, their lives, in obeying 
the claims of religion, though in violation of civil authori- 
ty — but what the enemy would have exultingly charged 
their death to their rashness and indiscretion. So of 
John — his friends might charge him with imprudence in 
reproving Herod, whose vicious character he knew; he 
had better remained silent, than to provoke one, whose 
sin was legalized bylaw, or sanctioned by common usage, 
and who had power to take his life — and so he fell a vic- 
tim to his misguided zeal. But do you suppose Herod's 
prisoner relented — did his heart reproach him? Did not 
rather the testimony of his conscience dispel the gloom 
and ease the bonds of his imprisonment? 

Mr. Torrey was a Congregational clergyman, and stood 
high in the estimation of the members of his own commu- 
nion and of the community generally. He was born at 
Scituatc, Mass., in 1 813 ; his parents died when he was but 
four years old. He was educated at Exeter, Yale Col- 
lege, and the Institution at Audovcr. He was settled 
in the pastoral office at Providence, R. I, and afterwards 
at Salem, Mass. His sympathies were deeply enlisted 
in behalf of the oppressed, whose wrongs possessed the 
inmost chambers of his soul, and he became ardently devo- 
to the cause of human freedom. To extend the bles- 
sings of the gospel; liberty, social, civil and religious, to 
the degraded captive ; to give a boon so precious to three 
millions of his fellow men, was a work from which he 
could not withhold the utmost energies of his soul. — 
He possessed humane and pious feelings. His heart beat 
with the sympathies of a man and a christian. He had 
imbibed the spirit of his Master, who came down from 
heaven to die for man. and he Avas impelled to seek and 
save the lost. 

Some four years since, Mr. Torrey attended a Conven- 



15 

tion of slaveholders in Maryland ; and was there im- 
prisoned for reporting the proceedings for a Northern pa- 
per. While in jail at that time, it is said he formed a pain 
for assisting fugitives, through the agency of which, be- 
tween 300 and 400 had effected their escape, previous to 
his last arrest, who are now enjoying the blessings of 
freedom. In June 1844, he was arrested in Baltimore, 
and tried the last of November following, on the charge of 
aiding the escape of slaves, was adjudged guilty on the 
1st of December 1844, and was condemned to six years 
confinement in the state Penitentiary. A requisition was 
in preparation from Virginia, to be enforced at the expi- 
ration of his six years' sentence in Maryland. 

The circumstances connected with the charges against 
him are briefly these; — "Emily Webb was born a slave; 
her husband, John Webb was the property of Bushrod 
Taylor of Winchester. Emily herself was born both the 
slave and daughter of a Virginia gentleman by the name 
of Carr, who treated her kindly and delivered her over to 
her white brother. He designed to emancipate her, but 
dying intemperate,yielded to evil counsel and she became 
the slave of a Dr. Renke. This chivalrous gentleman al- 
lowed her a cottage to herself and liberty to do what she 
pleased, provided she delivered to him her children free 
of charge for nurture at the age of 10. She lived, had 13 
children, 4 of whom died in infancy and the rest went to 
her master on the above condition. Emily earned money 
and purchased her own liberty. It was her intention to 
purchase that of her family; but the owner would not 
wait. It was his plan to sell them as soon as they were 
marketable. Two fled from him and took their liberty. — 
Two were sold to the soul-drivers at a tender age, and 
both the father and mother labored in vain to rescue them. 
As the last act, the father, who had been permitted by his 
master to visit them at Charlestown, Va., crept into the 
jail-yard, and awakening them hauled out the youngest 
through the grate of the window. The older was too 
much grown to follow. " We must go," said the father, 
and leave poor George to be sold. " No," said the little 
boy, " I will go back and be sold with him." And he 
crept back through the grate and they were sent to the 
south ! 

Emily it seems contrived to get the younger children 
out of the possession of Renke into that of Taylor who 
owned the father. It was her plan to raise money to 
purchase them all. But Taylor was impatient at the 
slowness of the operation and was about to sell them all, 
and it was at this time that the heroic mother — with Vir- 
ginia's "best blood" in her veins, interested Mr. Torrey to 



16 

interfere. One night John Webb with his youngest child 
in his arms and anotherat his side left the patriarchal roof 
n[' Bushrod Taylor, and Torrey met them with tram and 
vehicle and helped them on their way to freedom. This 
is the foundation of that charge for which proud Virginia 
will now have to bring her requisition in the court of 
heaven, to get hold of'the fugitive from her justice! 

As to Heckrotte's slaves, the ground of the Maryland 
prosecution, Mr. Torrey never saw them till they were 30 
miles from Baltimore. He had not the slightest hand in 
enticing them from their master, and might at any time 
have cleared himself by giving up the name of'the perpe- 
trator of that deed which he honorahly refused to do. It 
was at the instance of a most respectable lady of Balti- 
more, who planned their escape and couJd get no one 
else to assist in it, that he consented to drive the carriage 
which took them out of the state of bondage." 

On the last charge, though not actually criminal by the 
laws of Maryland, Mr. Torrey was sentenced to six years' 
imprisonment. Early last winter, it was evident his 
health was suffering by his confinement, and his physi- 
cians decided that liberation alone could save his life. — 
That he might be restored as the husband and father of his 
family, his friends labored to efi'ect his release. Negotia- 
tions were entered into with the agrieved parties — some 
hundreds of dollars were raised to pay them the value 
they put upon their slaves, on condition Mr. Torrey should 
be pardoned and liberated. After it was supposed the 
Virginia and Maryland cases were both adjusted, Hec- 
krotte fell back — and the whole plan was defeated. In 
the mean time, Mr. Torrey's health continued to decline ; 
and as it became evident he must soon die, respectful pe- 
titions were addressed to the Governor of Maryland, from 
the most influential citizens of Massachusetts, and from 
his afflicted wife, that he might be pardoned and permit- 
ted — not to go at large and enjoy life, but return to the 
bosom of his family and die in their embrace. To com- 
ply, the Governor had full authority; not the least danger 
could follow ; so far as justice or punishment in the eye 
of slave laws was regarded, both had been fully answered, 
for his life had virtually been taken. But no : the entreat- 
ies of the wife of his bosom, bending at the feet of the 
Governor, nor the prayers of the most distinguished citi- 
zens of his native State could avail — there was no- 
place in the slaveholder's'heart for the exercise of gener- 
ous compassion. 

The Baltimore Visitor stales that Mr. Torrey "died 1 
with that calmness of resignation which became him, and 
vet hardly to be anticipated in a death watched over by 



\] 

uiily the eye of prison oiReials,rather than thatof the friends 

ot his home and heart, whose soothing voices and careful 
ministrations are no trifles in the estimation of the depart- 
ing." So he must die alone ; no wife, or mother or sister to 
smooth his dying pillow, or relieve his distresses in his 
passage to the tomb. 

Mr. Torrey ever felt conscious that he was guilty of no 
crime against God or man in this matter. He had acted 
from the kindest and purest motives, and, knowing his in- 
tegrity, he had no regret in his death. Although strongly 
urged to acknowledge he had done wrong, on which his 
prison doors would have been opened, he remained true 
to the conviction of his own heart of what was right, with 
an unyielding firmness, worthy the noblest martyrs of the 
church. One week previous to his death,he wrote to a friend; 

" How can I consent to a doctrine, which my heart, my 
conscience and my judgment, based on careful examina- 
tion when no possible motive of self interest could bias 
me, led me to reject as opposed to the Bible and right rea- 
son? I may be erroneous in my views, for I am a fallible 
man ; but this is no place, nor am I in a condition now, 
to review my settled opinions respecting the relations of 
Christianity to those civil laws which are contrary to nat- 
ural justice and the law of God. It is better to die in pris- 
on with the peace of God in our breasts, than to live in 
freedom with a polluted conscience." 

The church in Worcester of which Mr. Torrey was a 
member, deputed their pastor to visit their dying fellow 
member in his prison. When his pastor first saw him, he 
was so emaciated that he hardly recognized him ; but he 
found him in a very desirable frame of mind. Rev. Dr. 
Welch, of the Baptist church, Albany, visited Mr. Torrey 
at the same time, who says he " has rarely if ever seen a 
more triumphant death-bed." 

Still he may be censured. For what; for helping men 
to freedom ? Our fathers declared in '76 that all men are 
entitled to freedom and sealed that declaration with the 
blood of the revolution. Did he violate civil law to de- 
liver the oppressed? What was the example in this res- 
pect and the principle taught, by our struggle for freedom 
from the power of the oppressor ? But, allowing he did 
go farther than what we may think judicious ; what led 
him to the act but the promptings of an unconquerable 
zeal in a righteous cause ? Did lie violate law ? it was a 
law against humanity, against love and mercy, and truth 
and justice — against God. And which is the most crim- 
inal, to possess so much of benevolence and holy ardor, 
as to be impelled a little beyond the bounds, of what may 
be called discretion ; or to remain so destitute of generous, 



18 

philanthropic, pious zeal, as not to engage in the caus. 
humanity ; but to endure the curse of Meroz for not com- 
ing to the 'help of the Lord against the mighty. But if 
we censure, future ages will approve. How must it as- 
lonish generations to come, to learn that in the 19th cen- 
tury, in this land of freedom, of Bibles and christian in- 
stitutions, a minister of the gospel of Christ was doomed 
lo die a felon's death in a prison, for a deed of mercy ; 
a deed which the universe will approve, which God and 
all holy mtL-lligencies will most assuredly sanction. Mr 
Torrcy violated no law that can stand the test of the niil- 
lenial day or the decisions of the law of God. He fol- 
lowed out one of the holiest impulses of our nature. He 
acted upon the great law of God in the equality of man- 
kind. " Hide the outcast; bewray not him that wander- 
eth," is the divine injunction; "deliver him that is 
spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor." He did this 
and it cost him his liberty and life. He acted upon the great 
law of humanity — common law — the charter given by God 
of human liberty ; he assisted his brother, unrighteously 
held in bondage, to break his chains, and led him to the 
land of freedom. Human nature has applauded such 
deeds from the time of the creation to the present. If in 
the struggles of the Grecians or the Poles, he had rescued 
one of either from Turkish despotism or Russian captivi- 
ty, his patriotism and valor would have been heralded 
through our land, and his praises shouted to the skies. — 
And, because those for whom he felt and toiled and died, 
were Americans, though oppressed and degraded, has he 
less claims on our gratitude and respect? But further, 
he acted on still higher authority— the authority of the 
great Divine law-giver, who, more than 1 300 years ago 
declared, "all things whatsoever ye would that men 
should d'o unto you, do ye even so unto them, for tins is 
the law;" and by this, universal, immutable and perpetu- 
al law,' Mr. Torrey stands admitted before Heaven and 
Earth. ' If in some measure he is liable to be considered 
indiscreet, still, can we doubt the purity of his motives.— 
lie was actuated by no feeling of revenge— or malice ; 
he had no wish to injure, but was prompted by a love of 
mercy, justice, and humanity. And when we contem- 
plate him in his relation to God a] id eternity, we cannot 
doubt but ere this, his Saviour has welcomed him to the 
joys of Paradise, with '• the cheering recognition, worth 
more than all human applause— incalculably outweighing 
all human censure, — Inasmuch as - dom it untt 

out of these my brt 

How many more victims must be offered, or how much 
more blood How. before the demands of slavery shall h 



19 

been answered, time must reveal. But the death-kncIJ 
of Torrey should make the ears of this whole nation tin- 
gle., and awake this entire people from their fearful slum- 
bers. The signs of the times arc ominous — the cries of 
oppressed millions are going up daily to God for redress, 
and the blood of martyrs to freedom calls for vengeance. 
Is not the cup of our iniquity fast rilling up, and is there 
not cause of alarm in the foreboding future ? Our person- 
al, civil, and religious interests are ah involved, in the in- 
tegrity and perpetuity of our national government. Our 
duty and welfare call loudly upon us to repent and put 
away every sin. Obstinacy or indifference, is but a pre- 
lude to certain overthrow and destruction. 

Finally, the present is a time for thought, for feeling, 
for action. The friends of truth are stationed on the en- 
emy's ground, and must fight to the death. While our 
rulers are calling for volunteers to go forth and slay their 
fellows — the great Captain of our Salvation is calling for 
soldiers, valiant for the truth, to enlist in his service and 
attack the powers of error and darkness at every post. — 
No matter what be the sin — or where it may be found; it 
is opposed to truth and to God, and the final triumph of 
the gospel. Arm, then, ye friends of righteousness, arm 
for the battle and march to the conflict. Put on the 
whole armour of God, and through Almighty strength, 
victory shall be won for our King. The enemy shall be 
destroyed, and his strong-holds demolished. Intemper- 
ance, slavery, licentiousness., and the long catalogue of 
damning sins, shall be swept away. This world is yet 
to be reclaimed — no part of it will be left ; but " over all, 
the loveliness and purity of Eden are again to return. — 
Over all, Christ is to reign, and to reign through the in- 
strumentality of his people." Oh, then, let faith and pray- 
er, and repentance and holy zeal, contribute to hasten that 
day, the day of Immanuel's glory. 

Then shall man be free — redeemed and saved through 
the truth. Then shall love, peace and holiness abound. 
Then shall be heard one universal anthem of a world re- 
elaimed.through the conquests of truth,and every kindred, 
and tongue,and people,shall shout the loud chorus — while 

" Eartli rolls the rapturous hosanna round," 
Jehovah has Triumphed, his People are Free, 



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BOOKBINDING II 



